“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8

There is a solemn responsibility to those who are in ministry to tell the truth, even when the truth is not easy to accept, to negate such a responsible task to those in leadership and instead, refuse to speak the truth, either out of fear from public rebuke, or financial hardship denigrates the office of ministry, and thus, make that truth no longer of any value. Such is the case which is happening today within many ministries within the modern church. Men and women who are in leadership, are forsaking telling the truth in favor of their own version of truth, and ultimately a lie. In plain English, preachers are teaching anyone who will listen a bold face LIE!

What is this lie you ask?

It’s the lie that has many believing that things in this world are going to get better for not just America in general, but for the church as well. It’s the lie which says that the modern church, for all its faults and failures, will emerge in the last days as a conquering church, goosestepping across the world in an effort to redeem not only the sinner, but entire nations as well. It’s the lie that says the modern day church will invade every area of social service and political fray to establish its dominance within the world, thus turning sinful planet earth into a Christian planet. In simple terms, the earth is about to be taken over not by Islam, or aliens, but by the Christian church itself. It is the new crusade by which this new global agenda will dominate and conquer the world for Christ. It’s teaching is called the 7 Mountain Mandate (Theology), and it’s being taught by some pretty influential proponents, one of which is Dr. Lance Wallnau, the actual teacher and creator of this particular doctrine that has many, including those surrounding President Trump in allegiance to.

But is this new doctrine Biblical? The answer is no, it’s not.

Dr. Wallnau and his 7 mountain mandate is simply another twist on the long held doctrine called Dominionism. It’s the theology called “Kingdom Now” that says that in the end times, the church will actually control the world to prepare it for the second coming of Jesus Christ. What Dr. Wallnau is doing is broadening his scope to make this teaching more tolerable for people to understand, in essence, he is simply dumbing down Dominionist theology in such a way that it makes better since for the biblically illiterate to grasp and understand.

So what is the 7 Mountain Mandate?

7 Mountain Mandate simply says, that in order for the church to control the global society, it must take control over every aspect of that particular society and its culture, being 7 cultural mountains. They are; Family, Government, Business, Media, Arts and Entertainment, Education and the church itself. Those who control these cultural gates exercise the greatest influence over the culture and ultimately that society. This is, in a nutshell, the doctrine of Dr. Lance Wallnau and why many are beginning, and have already, been embracing like a strange, intoxicating drink, they (the church) are becoming drunk on this notion that says we shall eradicate evil and overthrow Satan’s kingdom of dominance.

But they are wrong. Tragically wrong.

Jesus made it very clear in John 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Are we (those who are born again into Christ his servants?

This teaching (7 mountain mandate) is a false teaching simply because it goes against scripture. Jesus gave us (the end time church) a clear picture of the end times just before he returns, and that picture is not one of hope, or victory, but instead, one of which would shake any believer in terrible fear, for he (Jesus) paints a very sobering portrait of what we will see, those who are alive during this particular time, of what the world will look like, as well as resemble, and it is found in Matthew chapter 24, as well as Luke 21:8-28. For your sake I encourage the reader to search those scriptures up and read them repeatedly.

Yet if we take the teachings of men like Dr. Wallnau as well as countless others who are teaching these erratic ideas to heart, then what we are doing is denying scripture itself. For what these teachers are literally doing is two-fold:

They are denying scripture about the last days, which in turn conditions those who believe such to eventually become deceived when the final deception comes upon this world. (Jesus warned 3 times not to be deceived in the last days)

They are both denying the warnings of the Lord, as well as the Apostle Paul, the words of Peter, and the visions of John and his Revelation.

It’s simply not to suggest that this 7 Mountain Mandate is simply false and is harmless, it goes beyond that, again, it denies scripture which is clearly outlined in the word itself. Paul the Apostle gave us very clear instructions when it comes to the last days, here is his words on the matter of what is coming:

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,” (1 Timothy 4:1)

Do these two statements by Paul regarding the end times reflect the state of the modern church as a dominating church? Or a church which will be rocked by inward deception as well as battling forces from a dominant force (the coming antichrist) which will come against it?

Let us look at what John saw as it relates to the end times and the state of the modern church in those last days:

“Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” “I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:13-14)

“And it was given unto him (the beast) to make war with the Saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Revelation 13:7)

These are just a few prophetic warnings of what is to come. The question remains, does this sound like the teachings of the 7 Mountain Mandate being successful? Or does this reveal a greater truth, that at some point a being shall rise out of the earth and take dominion over all living things, including nations? The answer is yes, and that being is the one which Jesus said is called an abomination, the man of sin – the antichrist.

There is no need to argue or debate this matter, nor is it a doctrinal dispute, this is simply scripture interpreting scripture, allowing the Bible to speak and not men. Ours is to preach the gospel, not to overtake this world. This is the problem, one which those who promote Dominion teachings do not understand, nor do they want to. Why? Because they love this world! They love everything about the world, because their heart is toward this world. But the word says “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)

The world that John is referring to is the world system. It’s the same system to which Satan offered Jesus when he showed him all the kingdoms of the earth (Matthew 4:8-9). The truth remains, this world is not our home, nor should we look at it as our home, nor should we contend for it as such, because our home is an eternal one. But hear the word of Jesus on this matter of what our mandate truly is, and how things will come when that occurs; “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)

Jesus himself is stating it very clear, so that all can understand, that the preaching of the gospel will happen across the world in such a way that every nation and its people will have access to knowing and receiving Jesus Christ, then shall the end come. The end Jesus refers to is the end times, whereby all things that must be fulfilled will be as it relates to the prophecies of Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John, not to mention the old testament prophets. Does this sound like heaven on earth to you? Does this sound like the church will usher in the kingdom? Does this sound like the church will dominate the world for Christ and establish a Christian global society?

Truth is important, without it all we have is opinion and opinions not based or rooted in truth will always turn into a lie every time, because that is the nature of deception, it takes a a little truth and twists it enough to convince people otherwise. That is the nature of Satan’s tactics in these last days, and why the 7 Mountain Mandate, as well as Dominionism is a false teaching, because it gives the church a false hope of what is coming – peace and safety, when the opposite of what’s coming is true – tribulation.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8

There is a simple fact that every believer must acknowledge in their walk with Christ, and that is this, you and I are not God. Nor are we little gods. Nor do we have the same power or ability to think and act and create like God. Even more so, neither do our words have the same power as Gods words. The simple fact is, man is a creation of God, made a little above the angels itself, without the ability nor power to imitate God in action or in deeds, or in this case – words. The truth is, our words are not on the same level as God almighty and have virtually no power within themselves. In other words, when we speak nothing happens, but when God speaks everything happens, because he’s God and we’re not.

Yet there is a teaching which has gained prominence within the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles by suggesting that not only are we little gods, not only can we duplicate what God can do, we can equally speak things as a god and see those words literally transform nothing into something. It is called Positive Affirmation, or what is generally referred to by some as the power within the tongue. The belief is very simple, and very dangerous, but it goes something like this; A believer has a special need (money, health, career change, relationship, etc.) and they desire this with great fervor, but they don’t know how to bring it to pass. The answer? Simply speak it into existence. Sounds far fetched right? Yet if the truth be told, there are millions of Christians within the Charismatic/Pentecostal circles who have bought into this lie that says if one desires to change their circumstances in life, all one has to do is simply speak it into being and it will come. The problem is that it never works.

Teachers such as Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Jesse Duplantis and a boatload of others, have made millions of dollars in book sales all in trying to convince an unsuspecting Christian that they have the power within themselves to speak something out of nothing and gain whatever they want. The problem is, A) It’s not scriptural, and B) It’s not possible. To be clear, Jesus told us that if we followed him, that we too could (and would) perform miracles – but as the Spirit leads. The fact remains that while the gifts of the Holy Spirit are valid today (1 Corinthians chapter 12), the ability to just speak something is not only foolish, or unscriptural, it was never taught by the early church leaders, or Christ himself.

Believe it or not, the Positive Confession movement has no actual basis within the early church, nor was it rooted at all within modern or even past Christian teachings, it literally came from the occult world and went by another title, The Law of Attraction. This occult method is standard 101 information for anyone involved in the secret world of witchcraft and sorcery. The idea is simple, whatever you are attracted to, or desire, all you have to do is channel the strong desire within your mind to receive it, and by doing so, you can have it. This method has been utilized for hundreds, if not thousands of years by those who perform the dark arts of gaining whatever they desire. The problem with the confession, speaking it into existence, law of attraction is, it’s tapping into the spiritual realm, and certainly not what is of God.

It is amazing that when we examine the teachings and ideas promoted by a select few who claim to receive a revelation from God that is never based on the word of God, we begin to see its true source – Satan. Yet this is exactly the facts as it relates to the Positive Confession movement that has unfortunately polluted the church world today. From its roots from the early druids and pagans, the teaching of the Law of Attraction remains to this day the tool by which some within the modern church world has cleverly utilized which would deceive many by its false teachings. One would think that if they understood that ours is not to simply call forth everything into being that it would become true, nor by simply suggesting that if one merely spoke something by faith that it would happen. The truth is, God desires us to pray his will for whatever we need, not ours. This is the problem of self, it does not desire to submit to God’s perfect plan, but instead, rely on self and self desires (money, material things) to gain something simply by declaring it so. It’s all a clever ruse to blind the believer to a belief that he or she is able to do things on a thought, or word, and not rely on God’s word.

So how did this particular teaching come into the church today?

His name was E.W. Kenyon. Kenyon was born on April 25, 1867. He was introduced to the faith from the Methodist movement of that particular time. It was there he was introduced to the early teachings of the New Thought movement, and subsequently became aware of this new teaching which stated that if one speaks something, one will receive something, all by faith. Kenyon would go on to become affiliated with the growing Pentecostal movement which was happening in that time, the re-birth of the advent of the Pentecost in the book of Acts, and would find himself learning as well as teaching at the Emerson School. From the early writings of E.W. Kenyon, his works would include many gleanings from the occult world, new age spiritualism, and the Law of Attraction that would be taken and used by later generations, namely one Kenneth Hagin, who equally was influenced by Kenyon’s claims of Positive Affirmations.

Yet even though Kenyon was a contributor to what we now call “Positive Talk”, it has literally taken on a life of its own. But not just by the church world, even today, New Age teachers such as Oprah Winfrey, Eckhart Tolle, Rhonda Byrne (author of The Secret), as well as many more. This Law of Attraction, the ability to think and then say something into reality is not a product of man, far from it. The teaching itself dates back to one individual who said to himself “I shall be like the most high. I will place my throne above his.” – Satan. It was Satan who was the originator of Positive Confession, and it was Satan who went into the garden and said to Eve, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”(Genesis 3:1) For when Eve reminded Satan of what God said not to do, it as Satan who then presented a different way of thinking, “You surely will not die.”“For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)

Satan presented a positive affirmation, which was literally the foundation to Law of Attraction with Eve. Satan simply said, ignore what God says, confess that you shall have great wisdom and great understanding and I will not die. In other words, think it, say it and believe it and it will come to you. The reality is, Eve did receive understanding, but it was the understanding of what God strictly forbid, and thus, because of Adam, sin entered into the world. Thus, the Law of Attraction, power of the tongue to say something into existence is rooted directly from pride. It is sin.

If we could simply say things into reality, then why is there great trouble in the world? If we can simply speak something into being, then why is there hunger? Or war? Or death and disease? If there is power in our tongue, then why did Paul, the great Apostle who faced many a hardship pray three times that God would remove the thorn in his side, but God said “NO!”, but that his grace was sufficient for him? (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

The fact is this, our authority is limited to what Christ has given to us in his word because of the cross, and nothing more. Yes, we have the power (authority) to claim some spiritual matters as it relates to our faith, but it must always be found consistent with the word of God, it can never go beyond God’s word. If we pray his will, then we will find our will and prayers will be aligned perfectly, even if some things we confess or pray for do not come, sometimes God simply says “No” and we must learn to trust him regardless, for he knows better than we.

Jesus only gives us authority to do what he commissioned us to do – preach the gospel, disciple the nations, heal the sick, cast out demons, etc. He does not give us ALL authority. Nor does he give us the power to speak things into being simply because we want it or desire it, that is the lure of the garden and the tree itself that Satan continues to tempt fallen man with, even Christians, that if we think it and say it, we can have it. But God says otherwise. Don’t fall for this trap, but instead trust God, pray with faith with what he has faithfully given to us, the cross, and believe for those things which he desires, that souls be saved. Everything else will come, or not come based on God’s determination and plan, not by our words.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:8

Not since the stunning election of Donald Trump, have we experienced such a surge of surprises within the church as we are when it comes to false teachings and its messengers. Particularly in the case of the teachings regarding Dominionism. Dominion Theology found its birth through the teachings of one R. J. Rushdoony in the mid 1960s. An advocate for Calvinist, Rushdoony was the originator of the belief that says nations, particularly the United States, should forsake the Constitution as its foundation for rule of law, and instead impose the law of Moses in its place. Rushdoony was strongly hostile to the concept of grace alone for salvation, nor was he in favor of Christianity operating outside the spectrum of the cross, instead, Rushdoony believed and taught that the only true method by which the church could influence society was in fact through the injection of Christian law, via the law of Moses, into the political structure of American Government, thereby giving the church full control over every area of influence to impose Christian beliefs and doctrine. Under Rushdoony’s particular theological beliefs, men would not have freewill to live any which way he desired, this included any beliefs which ran counter to strict Calvinist theology, nor would the church operate by the gifts of the Holy Spirit as the early church did in the book of Acts. Obviously this would cause significant issues with mainline Calvinist theology and Pentecostal beliefs, yet Rushdoony believed that the central doctrine which would govern men in America would be Theocracy and not Democracy.

There are many branches to Dominion Theology; Christian Reconstructionism, Kingdom Now Theology, New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), The Latter Rain Movement; Joel’s Army; The 7 Mountain Mandate; Third Wave Revivalism; are all rooted by one foundation – Dominion Theology. These teachings have one common theme, that the church will take dominion over the earth, over all Governments, over all aspects of society, and begin to wield its own version of heaven-on-earth Christianity. No greater area of concern as it relates to Dominion Theology is in the area of politics.

When Trump was introduced to the world as a possible, but unlikely candidate for the Presidency, many scoffed at the idea that said he even had a remote chance of becoming the next President of the United States of America. Yet there were a few men (and women) who were voicing a different tone about Trump, and surprisingly, they were coming from well known evangelical circles. Pat Robertson, Paula White, Kim Clement, Lance Wallnau, Jim Bakker, Rick Joyner, David Jeremiah, Dr. James Dobson, and many more Charismatic/Pentecostal and Calvinist leaders were quick to align themselves with Mr. Trump. But why? Why Trump and why now?

While I cannot say with full knowledge at why Trump was elected, I can suggest that based on everything to date that I have seen, heard and witnessed, there is something spiritual at work here, but to suggest that God is the author of it would be wrong on my part, more so, I believe this movement of Dominion Theology is by itself part of the greater plan by the enemy to prepare the world, as well as the church, to some degree, for what he is creating, his final kingdom.

Dominion Theology is error, scriptural error. It portrays something different than what Christ told us in scripture, for it portrays the hope of the church not in the cross and our savior, but instead, it portrays its hope in restoration of this earthly kingdom – now. This is completely against the word. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world…”(John 18:36).

Dominion Theology as well removes awareness of the Lords return. It denies scripture as it regards the end times, twisting it to instead reject end times preparedness, and instead, embraces a more peace centered, revivalist themed worldview. This is one of the reasons why we hear so much about a massive end time revival, or a great harvest, or a great awakening, it’s all part of a spiritual deception to reject the word of God in favor of a more relevant, universal religion which incorporates those of other faiths coming together under one banner – unity. The Apostle Paul said otherwise; “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1)

Let me even more clear so there is no confusion on what Dominion Theology really is when we strip away the facade and see it for what it truly is – Religious Globalism under the guise of the spirit of Antichrist. This religious establishment, the people behind Donald Trump, the visions, the dreams, the call for unity among other faiths, the bridge being built between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism are in fact being led by the spirit of Antichrist. The church in America, and it’s embracing of Nationalism, its worship of Patriotism at the altar of Dominionism, is itself idolatry, and one the church needs to repent of.

Our mandate is the same as when Christ ascended until He returns: The Great Commission (Mark 16:15) and disciple believers from all the nations (Matt. 28:19). We are NOT to overthrow the governments of the world, take over businesses, or desire Christian world domination by taking over everything. Our desire is to influence society with the gospel, not become part of it. We are to be light and salt (Matt. 5:13-15), working until the Lord comes (1 John 2:28). What we are seeing however is a movement which is causing a spell within the body of Christ, and those who are under that spell have become convinced that what they are doing will be better for the world as well as for the church, the problem is, they are following the spirit of this world, and he and he alone has a greater agenda, to bring them under rule, for his name is Satan, and his son shall be Antichrist.

“Thus says the LORD: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them,” (Jeremiah 10:2)

How to be a Buddhist Christian.

There are attempts being made by some who have influence within the church to incorporate false beliefs such as Catholicism, Mormonism, even within the Charismatic camp, the word of faith movement is based on a false belief which says Jesus Christ had to be “born again” in hell. Which leads me to my opening sentence – “How to be a Buddhist Christian”. There are some who are now trying to incorporate Buddhism into mainstream Christianity and it’s becoming a major issue with those who see it for what it is – heresy, but even worse than that – demonic.

There is a subtly within false teaching that sometimes gets overlooked by many a faithful believer in Christ, this is usually due in part to either not faithfully testing out what is being taught against scripture, or the other due to accepting what’s being said at face value due to charismatic personality, or popularity. Either way, the outcome is always the same, people being deceived. Such is the case with breath prayers, which is apart of the contemplative prayer movement. So what is contemplative prayer?

Contemplative prayer defined:

Contemplative Prayer is a prayer of silence, an experience of God’s presence as the ground in which our being is rooted, the Source from whom our life emerges at every moment…. Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. We open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing – closer than consciousness itself.

Contemplative prayer, in its simplest form, is prayer in which you still your thoughts and emotions and focus on God Himself. This puts you in a better state to be aware of God’s presence, and it makes you better able to hear God’s voice correcting, guiding, and directing you…. The fundamental idea is simply to enjoy the companionship of God, stilling your own thoughts so you can listen should God choose to speak. For this reason, contemplative prayer is sometimes referred to as ‘the prayer of silence.

Recently Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback church, tweeted the following as it regards to ‘breath prayer’:

Why would Rick Warren, whose well known for his ecumenical stance to bridge both Catholicism and Islam into mainstream evangelical Christianity, why would he incorporate ‘breath prayers’ into his teachings? Because it’s all part of a greater deception to lure believers into mysticism, and worse, idolatry.

Living in China, I am surrounded by paganism. There is no part of China where one can go, visit, eat or shop that does not involve open paganism such as Buddhism. I have visited many a Buddhist temple since coming to China in early part of 2013, and I have become very familiar with its teachings, and one of its beliefs and/or behaviors is what is called ‘meditative centering’. This is a state where the Buddhist comes into the temple, sits in a 4 pattern position and begins to meditate and pray for open awareness, the idea is very simple, one gets into a level of deep consciousness where they become, eventually, aware of the spirit world, and ultimately become one, in mind, body and soul or spirit. Sound familiar? That’s what ‘breath prayers’ as well as contemplative prayers do, they get the believer to reach a higher level of consciousness, this, in their belief, allows them to commune with God. This is why it’s false, because it allows the mind to become open to the powers of the air (demons).

When Christians, even spirit filled Christians begin to dabble in mysticism and new age techniques, they are allowing the enemy full access to their spirit, soul and mind. This will always lead to deception and ultimately being deceived. Christian yoga, Contemplative prayer, Breath Prayers, these are all rooted in early paganism, such as Buddhism. So how does one become a Christian Buddhist and not know it? When they allow false teachings to invade their spirit to such a degree that they no longer realize, nor care they are truly being deceived. Such will always be the case when one turns from Christ to something else.

“But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5:15

Nothing grieves the Lord more than how his people treat one another, specifically, when his people slander one another, or mistreat each other, or gossip toward those whom have done nothing wrong. Yet more and more it seems, I continue to see a trend among the body where groups of people (Christians) not only bite one another, but routinely devour one another, all for the sake of self righteousness. This cannot be. This can be readily seen in the recent deaths of those servants who have died in the faith.

When Jan Crouch, co-founder of TBN passed away, the news sent shock waves throughout the body of Christ, saddened by the loss of one of their own, many were words of comfort to the family of Paul and Jan Crouch, yet something else began to spread, and that something was pure hatred. For at the moment that news spread of Jan Crouch’s death, the internet, in social media avenues such as Facebook and Twitter, were filled with vile and venomous hatred at the passing of someone who had been faithful to the calling God had instilled upon her and her husband to spread the gospel across the world. A spirit of maliciousness had reared its ugly head, and once again it was clear to all that the body of Christ is more fractured today than it ever was.

Yet this is the current spiritual state of the modern church of believers today, where we bite and devour anyone who is different than us, has a different calling than us, or has been used by God more than us. No longer do we offer a kind word to another servant, but criticism, envy, jealousy and resentment shape and form our words when we speak of someone within the church. Even when we might disagree on spiritual matters such as doctrine or methods, there is no genuine sign of love toward our brother or sister in Christ, and even in death, nothing comes more to this truth than the current slate of comments and statements over the death of a servant than one who, as flawed a vessel as they might be, is subject to such scorn. Yet it’s not just the dead in Christ who see such animosity, but the living as well.

It seems to some that if one does not abide by their particular idea of how ministry should be conducted, the immediate response is public ridicule and scorn. Yet we see this more and more by many who declare that what another believer is doing is not in line with their theology, and thus, is open to public rebuke, or worse, questions their salvation altogether. Think this is limited to our time and day now? Think again. Jesus had to deal with this even in his day.

In Luke chapter 9, we see something occur that Jesus had to quickly deal with and stop, the seeds of jealousy beginning to be planted in the hearts of several of his own disciples. An argument had begun within the group of 12 over who would be greatest among them, they had taken to heart (wrongly) the notion that they would reign and rule with Christ in heaven. They did not understand at that particular time what Jesus was referring to, as his kingdom was a kingdom of all men and women who would rule and reign with the Lord. Yet these same men who walked with the Lord, ate with the Lord, heard the words of Jesus, these same men called to be his disciples, began to position themselves as to who would be the greater of them and over them. No doubt this caused feelings of animosity and hurt among the twelve, as many were vying for power. Jesus would have none of it. This is why the Lord quickly saw what was going on within their hearts and minds, and began to teach them that the kingdom of God must be understood in the concept of the mind of a child. Humility, love and innocence were the attributes of a follower of Christ, not political maneuvering.

Still, this would not be the last Jesus would have to once again deal with bickering and backbiting (devouring) among his faithful 12. (Matthew 20:21) Yet 2,000 years later, the church is more divided, more resentful, more envious of others than ever before, and how we treat one another is exactly how we will be judged when we stand before God. Understand, it’s one thing to challenge false doctrines and/or those who might teach error, it’s quite another thing altogether to cast away those whom are in Christ for the sake of conformity. Yet more and more, many are biting and devouring others simply out of spite, jealousy and/or greed, and even to be right. This is wrong.

Paul outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 the characteristics of the fruit of the spirit, which is LOVE. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have no charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” (verse 1) If we have no love for one another, then can we truly say we belong to him who loves us? The word says otherwise. The word makes it clear that if we do not love our brother or sister, then we are not his at all, for how can we love God and follow Christ if we do not show that same love toward our own? Biting and devouring others might make our flesh and ego full and content, but it by no means is a type of fruit of the spirit, but in reality, it is a sign one has strayed from the cross. If we cannot love one another, following in the steps of Christ, then we cannot love the sinner who needs Christ. For if we are not capable of loving those who are his, how can we love those who are without him? We can’t.

I remind us all of the words of Paul in this matter of love, “Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; Love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up. Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil. Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails: but whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (verses 4-10)

Let us begin to love one another, not bite and devour one another, for then by this doing, shall the world know in whom we belong.

It’s happening. It’s happening on the news, the internet, social media is declaring it, Facebook prophets and preachers galore are promoting it, and the world is taking notice. Yes, it’s happening. The tearing down of every world religion on this planet is occurring, and not one shot, one loss of life, or shedding of blood came before it. It’s happening.

Jude tells us something very interesting about the last days, the time period by which we are living in now, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men. turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4)

Let us take a closer examination of what is truly happening in our world right now, and how this change of attitude of religion, faith and humanity is being played out, not only affecting Christians worldwide, but also Muslims and Jews.

One of the signatures of change within Christianity itself has been over the years the slow introduction of progressive liberal views, meaning, views which embrace a more contemporary way of thinking when it comes to conventional theology. In other words, anything which conveys the old traditions of worship, praise and biblical teachings have become sidestepped, bringing out a new way of thought, a more conventional method of reaching the world. Yet the reality is, this new, modern method of reaching the world is not in essence anything new, but a ploy, a ploy which attempt to undermine scriptural teachings and its main message (which is the cross), and in its place, fill the void with a more tolerant form of modernist theology which focuses more on self and less on man’s sin. In other words, a more acceptable form of gospel is being presented.

We can actually see this being unfolded in five ways:

Replacing the cross as the core message.

Embracing modernist theology.

Incorporating relativism in order to gain favor with society.

An emphasis on works, and less on faith. An emphasis on material gain (prosperity) and less on personal sacrifice.

A rejection of core traditional doctrines such as original sin, which run counter to today’s new contemporary message.

In each of these five measures I’ve listed (there are more), the modern church has become more self-centered with its theology, and less centered on the cross and what it demands. We saw this at the beginning of the prosperity gospel in the mid to late 1980’s to present years. The focus was on God’s best, and not God’s demands. It was a time of seed sowing in order to reach a personal financial harvest/reward, and millions of church going believers ate it up, at the cost of billions in personal savings.

Yet it was this particular gospel (prosperity) that began to erode the necessity of personal sacrifice, humility and denial of self. In its wake came another new found message, one that I believe has done more damage to the church today than anything in the past, the Purpose Driven gospel of Rick Warren. In 2002, Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback church, published his book which has gone on to reprint and DVDs, and has literally changed the narrative as it relates to the gospel, yet this purpose driven gospel is a prime example of another gospel, which seeks to undermine and lay claim to a new type of presentation, the gospel of inclusion.

The concept is simple, change. Change everything from the past, the center message which is the cross, to a contemporary narrative. Change the praise and worship from the more long held methods such as the hymns of the past, and replace them with contemporary music which removes even a hint of traditional praise. Change the vision of the church to a more emergent, seeker sensitive/community based program, less on the preaching of the gospel, and more on social reforms through social/political/economic change. And finally, change of spiritual leadership, out with the old and in with the new. Under this mentality, Warren issued these in six measures of change:

Identify those who are resisting the changes;

Assess the effectiveness of their opposition;

Befriend those who are undecided about the changes;

Marginalize more persistent resisters;

Vilify those who stay and fight; and

Establish new rules that will silence all resistance.

In a way, what Warren has accomplished in just one small decade, is undermine and challenge the traditional method of preaching the gospel that brings sinners to repentance. In this new type of method, the term sinner has become replaced with the more politically correct term called unchurched. This was not by accident, this was selective direction by Warren and the reason is simple, it brings into the equation of inclusion, whereby the “sinner” is no more guilty of his present spiritual condition, and less demanded to change. If the gospel does not allow conviction, then that gospel is another gospel. Such is the case with Warren’s Purpose Driven Life. Those who do not know Christ are accepted into the church without fear, without guilt, without condemnation, and by doing so, they are welcomed with open arms, knowing that they will never be confronted with their sinful state, but encouraged to simply be a good person without the need for spiritual change which brings true repentance.

So how has Warren’s Purpose Driven changed the face of modern Christianity? We can see these changes through not only Warren’s liberal theology, but through the voices of others who equally have attempted this new change/approach, men such as Joel Osteen, TD Jakes, Rob Bell, Tony Campolo, Greg Laurie, and Pentecostal/Charismatic leaders such as Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyers and Jesse Duplantis. These men and women are changing the narrative of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and its not by accident, but by demonic inspiration.

Yet it’s not just those within the modern Christian movement where we can see this dismantling, the deconstructing of religion and faith. But it’s occurring within other religions as well. In Catholicism, Pope Francis has gone on record more than once, declaring the need for reconciliation between Roman Catholics and Protestants, but even stating that Jews and Muslims can co-exist. Catholics, marching in order to the sound of this current Pope, are being changed to not only embrace the possibility of Muslims within their sanctuary, it’s being presented in such a way that they themselves are becoming molded in this new ecumenical movement which is happening across the globe.

When men such as Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer, and even Southern Baptist leaders such as SBC President Ronnie Floyd was guest speaker at IHOP ‘onething2015’ conference, where not only did the mixture of Catholicism and Protestants meet and fellowship, but became immersed in the ecumenical movement. It is a deconstructing of religion to bring about world change.

And now it has begun even in the most strangest religions of all, not just Mormonism (which too are beginning to change) but in Islam. Take away the rhetoric and violent talk of ISIS radicals, remove yourself away from the butchering of fundamentalists in Islam who deny women their rights, who force sharia law upon the world, who demand worship of Allah alone, and you will see there is another quake occurring within this religion just as it is occurring within faiths such as Judaism and Christianity – change.

Time would take too long for me to go through what I believe is occurring right now in our world, and the people’s mindset right now, needless to say, is not looking at the bigger picture.Yet I believe that what we are seeing, with efforts by some, such as Pope Francis, President Obama among others, are changing the narrative to bring about a peace between all faiths, including Islam. Once this effort has become successful, then something powerful and decisively deceptive will occur – bondage.

Make no mistake, everything I have poured out in this meager attempt to show what I believe is occurring behind the scenes, is a plot by Satan himself to break down our walls of beliefs, and bring us all into a new era of world, religious peace. This can, once successful, change the people’s mindset to believe one lie, then once they are conditioned, to believe the greater lie. This will end with the rise of a one world religion, where a fallen being (the antichrist) will be ultimately worshiped. This is the reason why Christianity has been under attack for several decades. Why other religions are only now beginning to sense this attack upon their own brand of beliefs, it is to tear down the walls of religious separation to make way for something bigger, where all religions are merged, all paths lead to God, but this god will be created in hell, thrust upon the world in the last hours.

If what we see occurring is the end of all things as we know it when it comes to religion, then it proves that this spirit of antichrist is much more alive today than ever before, undermining our very way of spiritual life, and the men behind it are but puppets, pawns to bring men under the control of a satanic leader who will demand all worship him. It is the deconstruction of religion, and it’s alive and well on planet earth today.

Today, while sitting and eating with my wife at a waffle house here in our city of Chongqing, China (of all places), God began to speak to my spirit and gave me a word for the new year. Here is what I hear in my spirit that we need to take into account.

2016 will be the year where lines will be drawn. These lines will be drawn politically, culturally, economically, and yes – spiritually. But it’s the drawing of the line in the sand spiritually God dealt with me more about than anything else, for it is the SPIRIT of man he is worried about, not only for the sinner, but for the believer. 2016 will be a year where those who have placed their faith in Christ and his work on the cross, those who have continued to pick up their cross and follow him, will have a greater manifestation of his power in their lives. Yet those who have, and continue to have a spirit of lukewarmness will not find solace in God’s favor. This is where I believe we will begin to see a genuine separation begin, from those who are determined to lose all to follow Christ and gain heaven, from those who continue to reject the call to come out from among them and be ye separate.

2016 will be a year where the line will be drawn from truth and fable, scriptural fact versus religious myth. The line will be drawn on the teaching of Jesus Christ and him crucified (the cross), and that which is based on false teachings which reward the flesh.

The lines will be drawn to determine whose truly in this life to see the great commission come to pass, and those who are in it for material gain. The lines will show us the truth of preachers, pastors, prophets and apostles, as well as evangelists and teachers who are either teaching truth, or determined to continue to teach their lies. But it’s those same lines which will be drawn where the believer will have to choose what teaching/message they truly desire, the false from the good.

This, I believe will be the year where God begins to really shake his people up from their spiritual slumber. Make no mistake, the lines must be drawn so that those with eyes to see can make their choices clearly, no false pretenses, no manipulation. If one desires the words of a wolf, they will find that line clearly drawn out before them so that they will cross, knowing the consequences of their actions.

I believe this is setting the stage for the great falling away which is coming in the near future, where a spirit of deception will come upon the land and devour those whom have placed their faith in something other than the cross of Christ.

Yes, 2016 will be a year of change – lines of change. But lines which must be drawn so that all will know where their heart truly is in these last days on planet earth.

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)